Thieves now using autorickshaws to flee: Cops

With a sudden increase in cases of chain-snatching incidents, police say they have noticed a new trend.

With a sudden increase in cases of chain-snatching incidents, police say they have noticed a new trend.

With the police checking motorbikes during bandobasts, chain snatchers are now tying up with autorickshaw drivers so that they can flee easily after committing the crime, the police said.

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“Around the Dahisar area, including the nine police stations of zone 11, each police station has identified 12 points where they conduct nakabandis in a timely manner and constantly check people riding on motorbikes,” said Subhash Vele, inspector, MHB Colony police station.

“Many thieves have been caught during this initiative. Hence, the chain snatchers have now found another way to escape. Fleeing in an autorickshaw is much safer because the police seldom question a rickshaw driver ferrying a passenger,” said Vele.

Also, the police said, an autorickshaw has a lot more space where the accused can easily hide the stolen material. “On motorbikes, the thieves don’t have any place to hide the stolen goods, which makes them vulnerable,” said Vele.

The police said after instances of chain snatchers fleeing in autorickshaws began to surface, they have made attempts to bring autorickshaws under surveillance as well.

“We have initiated a drive whereby we question suspicious autorickshaw drivers, mainly going by their demeanour and the passengers’ behaviour. Also, we conduct random checks at autorickshaw stands and the streets to deter criminals,” said Vele.